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Ex-PDP Chairman Bamanga Tukur Dies at 90
Former PDP National Chairman and ex-Gongola State governor Bamanga Tukur has died in Abuja at the age of 90.
Former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, has died at the age of 90.
Tukur died on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at his residence in Abuja, according to a statement issued by his former media aide, Oliver Okpala, with the consent of his children.
The family said his remains would be taken to Adamawa State for burial in accordance with Islamic rites. He died three days before his 91st birthday; he was born on September 15, 1935.
Tukur was a politician, businessman and public administrator whose career spanned Nigeria’s maritime sector, state administration, federal government and partisan politics.
He served as General Manager and Chief Executive of the Nigerian Ports Authority from 1975 to 1982 before entering elective politics. In 1983, he was elected governor of the old Gongola State, which comprised present-day Adamawa and Taraba states. His tenure was cut short by the military coup that ended the Second Republic in December of that year.
After leaving office, Tukur established BHI Holdings, also known as the DADDO Group of Companies. He later served as Minister of Industries under the military administration of General Sani Abacha from 1993 to 1995.
At the continental level, he held leadership positions in the African Business Roundtable and the NEPAD Business Group, where he was involved in efforts to promote African economic development and private-sector growth.
Tukur became National Chairman of the PDP in March 2012 during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan. He resigned in January 2014 after a period of internal disagreements and factional disputes within the party.
He was a recipient of the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) and held the traditional title of Tafidan Adamawa.
President Bola Tinubu and Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri have mourned Tukur, describing his death as a significant loss to Nigeria and Adamawa State. The PDP also paid tribute to the former party chairman, recalling his contributions to public service, business and politics.
Funeral prayers were scheduled for 10 a.m. on Sunday, September 13, at the Lamido’s Palace in Yola, after which he was expected to be buried according to Islamic rites.